The 14-minute horror film that will make you never trust a calm river again.
Produced by the American Red Cross Shows the things that can go wrong when people with little experience or training set off in canoes, rafts, and kayaks. Shows the dangers of underwater obstacles, treacherous currents, icy water, flow-through hazards, and unpleasant surprises around the bend. Stresses the need for pre-experience instruction as the best means for preventing accidents. Blue Ribbon winner, American Film Festival.
Practical Effects
Real footage of actual disasters — no budget, all consequences.
Direction
Accidentally pioneered the 'disaster montage' genre.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of a 1970s PSA boom where government and nonprofits competed to traumatize Americans into safety through graphic imagery.
Circulated in schools and outdoor programs for decades, creating a generation of river-phobic adults who can still hear Gary Perdue's warning voice in nightmares.
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